Texas Senate Bill SB1309

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to state requirements for teacher training and student instruction regarding certain subjects in public schools.

Impact

If SB1309 is enacted, it would notably affect the landscape of teacher training requirements and what districts are obliged to instruct students on. The removal of mandated training in areas like child abuse and bullying raises questions about the preparedness of teachers and school staff to deal with complex social issues that students face today. Critics may argue that eliminating these requirements runs the risk of leaving school personnel unprepared to adequately safeguard students or support them in critical areas of their lives.

Summary

Senate Bill 1309 seeks to amend various sections of the Education Code concerning the requirements for teacher training and student instruction in public schools. The primary focus of this legislation is to relieve school districts from mandatory training and instructional requirements surrounding several sensitive and important issues, notably internet safety, bullying, child abuse, teen dating violence, and school bus transportation safety. By prohibiting the requirements for these specific training programs and instructional topics, the bill directs attention to the autonomy of school districts in determining their educational priorities.

Contention

The contention surrounding SB1309 arises from the debate between local autonomy and state mandates within the educational framework. Proponents of the bill argue that it allows schools to focus on their unique needs and circumstances without the burden of state-imposed training requirements. On the other hand, opponents may express concern that weakening training requirements in vital areas could lead to a lack of support for students confronting serious issues, thereby undermining the overall safety and well-being of the student population.